Inter-eNB Carrier Aggregation for Overlapping Macro-Pico Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE-A systems are limited to intra-eNB carrier aggregation, which restricts the aggregation of macro and pico cells when they operate in an overlapped manner, hindering the full potential of carrier aggregation functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inter-eNB carrier aggregation method and apparatus, allowing multiple downlink and uplink carriers across different eNBs, enabling the configuration and management of primary and non-primary sets of serving cells through coordinated control messages and synchronization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If intra-eNB carrier aggregation is implemented, then system complexity is reduced and control is simplified, but the ability to aggregate macro and pico cells in overlapped scenarios is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier aggregation functionality by introducing separate entity identifiers (first entity identifier and second entity identifier) that can represent different eNBs. This allows the system to handle inter-eNB carrier aggregation by dividing the aggregation management into distinct entity-controlled segments, thereby enabling macro and pico cell aggregation without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the use of entity identifiers and coordinated control messages between eNBs. This intermediary layer enables different eNBs to cooperate in carrier aggregation by providing a standardized interface for configuration and management, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inter-eNB carrier aggregation is implemented, then macro and pico cells can be aggregated in overlapped scenarios, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration approach where the same control message structure and entity identifier mechanism can handle both intra-eNB and inter-eNB carrier aggregation scenarios. This multi-functional design allows the system to operate in different modes (single eNB or multiple eNBs) without requiring separate control procedures, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling inter-eNB aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing configurable entity identifiers that can represent either a single eNB or multiple eNBs. By changing the interpretation and configuration of these identifiers, the system can adapt between different operational modes, simplifying control coordination while enabling flexible carrier aggregation across macro and pico cells.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data using a plurality of carriers in a wireless communication system. The method includes the steps of: receiving secondary serving cell (SCell) setting information for setting an SCell from a base station; determining whether the secondary SCell belongs to a primary set or to a non-primary set; and, according to a results of the determination, setting forward and reverse initial states as an active or inactive state.